Rhiannon is a unique and beautiful name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the ancient Celtic goddess Rigantona, who was known for her beauty, wisdom, and fertility. The name means "great queen" or "goddess of the great tide."
In Welsh mythology, Rhiannon is one of the seven deities who survived the Roman conquest of Britain. She is often associated with horses and birds, and was believed to possess magical powers. Her story has been passed down through generations in the form of tales and legends, making her a significant figure in Celtic folklore.
Rhiannon's popularity as a given name began to rise in the late 20th century. It gained further recognition when it was used by singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks for her album "Rihannon" in 1983. Today, Rhiannon is celebrated as a name that embodies power, grace, and ancient beauty.
In summary, Rhiannon is a Welsh name with deep roots in Celtic mythology. It means "great queen" or "goddess of the great tide," and is associated with the powerful goddess Rigantona. Though it may not be widely known, Rhiannon has a rich history and meaning that makes it a unique and beautiful choice for a child's name.
The name Rhiannon has seen a fascinating journey in terms of popularity over the years in the United States. The data from 1974 to 2023 paints an interesting picture.
In 1974, only five newborn girls were named Rhiannon. However, the following year saw a significant increase with fifteen births. This upward trend continued into 1976 with a notable jump to 272 births. The peak of popularity for this name was reached in 1998 and 1999, with 554 and 651 newborn girls respectively named Rhiannon.
However, after the turn of the century, there was a steady decline in its usage as a baby girl's name. In 2010, only 161 babies were named Rhiannon. This number continued to decrease until 2013 when it hit an all-time low with just 106 births.
Since then, the popularity of the name Rhiannon has been steadily increasing again. In 2019 and 2020, there were 189 and 204 births respectively, and this trend continued into 2021 and 2022 with 222 and 218 births.
In total, from 1974 to 2023, there have been 15,147 newborn girls named Rhiannon in the United States. This data shows how a name's popularity can ebb and flow over time, reflecting changing trends and tastes in baby naming.